Electrical estimators analyze blueprints and installation plans and specify the length of wires needed. They work with cost estimating software to prepare price estimates.
They also learn to organize material takeoff, apply labor units and calculate bid prices. All of these skills are honed during an electrical estimating training course.
Hard Skills
Electrical estimators are expected to be well versed in a variety of materials and construction methods. They also need to be able to work with the architects, engineers and project managers of each job to ensure that everyone understands the scope of the estimate and the expectations of both sides.
Electrical drafting and estimating training courses can teach the skills needed to develop an accurate and professional estimate for any job. They can help aspiring estimators to become more confident in their abilities by teaching them how to use standard documents and drawings that are commonly used in the industry. In addition, they can teach them how to work with CAD software so that they can develop accurate and efficient estimates for each project.
Whether you’re an electrician looking to expand your career options or a business owner who wants to improve your competitiveness, you need highly skilled electrical estimators. Taking the time to attend a quality electrical estimating course will ensure that you get the most out of your team and that your projects run smoothly and efficiently.
***Please note that when ordering this course online, the cardholder/ordering customer information may be captured instead of the student’s for transcript purposes. If you are registering for this course on behalf of another individual, please contact Orderline directly to register.
Soft Skills
The ability to work well with others and manage relationships is a critical soft skill that many electrical estimator training courses teach. This is because the industry is a people-driven business and a strong network can help you find new clients, win projects, and keep your job.
Good communication skills are also important. Estimators often need to communicate with other team members, such as on-site electricians or project managers, about schedules and requirements. They must also be able to explain complex project concepts to clients and stakeholders. This requires the right level of technical knowledge, and an understanding of how to break down project requirements into easily understandable pieces.
Being an effective electrical estimator means having a keen eye for detail and the ability to quickly identify potential challenges. This is a key aspect of why experienced electrical estimators are highly sought after by construction firms. They can effectively identify risks and deliver projects on time and within budget.
This course provides trainee estimators with an introductory level of the basic knowledge needed to prepare estimates using an online estimating software. The lessons will take place over 14 days via pre-recorded videos with a mixture of estimating tasks and bid document reviews. The estimating tasks include reviewing blueprint & specification drawings, taking-off of common system items (fixtures, distribution, feeder and branch conduit & wire, equipment), systems wiring, and devices.
Networking
While having a professional electrical journeyman electrician’s license or degree is one thing, having the right combination of soft skills and experience is key to becoming an effective electrical estimator. These softer attributes include project management abilities, communication skills and leadership potential. Developing these attributes can help a trainee estimator become an indispensable member of a project team and lead to success as an electrical estimator.
One of the best ways to develop these attributes is through networking with other electrical estimators and industry leaders. These relationships can provide valuable insights into new trends, emerging technologies and industry best practices. They can also provide valuable business opportunities and help you build a strong reputation within the industry.
In addition to networking, it is important to take advantage of any training courses that your employer offers or pays for. These courses can be a great way to expand your knowledge of electrical estimating, increase your salary and give you the confidence that you can complete an estimate correctly.
An electrical estimating course can teach you the basics of using an electronic estimating software program. It can also teach you how to read a blueprint, review and organize a material takeoff, calculate labor units, review the project specifications, prepare a tender appendix and create an estimated price.
Self-Assessment
Whether you are a journeyman electrician looking to upgrade your skills, or a business owner wanting to boost the bottom line by increasing profits from your bids, electrical estimating training courses will help. But it’s important to assess your own abilities and what kind of course is right for you.
Some courses are offered as a certificate of completion, meaning they are shorter and can be completed in one or two semesters. They may not offer the gravitas that a degree does, but they will give you some credentials and allow you to be more competitive in the job marketplace.
Most estimators start their careers as electricians, or at least have some form of background in the trade before undergoing formal estimating training. This is a good idea, as it allows them to see how the drawings they are estimating translate into real work in the field. This is important because, as we discussed in the previous section, it helps them identify things that don’t make sense or are out of the ordinary.
It is also helpful to join professional associations or attend industry seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest in technologies, materials, and equipment for electrical estimating. This will allow you to incorporate the new information into your estimates and provide clients with the most accurate cost projections.